I was searching around on Pinterest and stumbled upon a ledge added to the deck railing. This served as my inspiration for this DIY flip up deck bar that we added to our deck railing. I decided I wanted ours to be a flip up deck bar and not a permanent ledge. I liked the idea of dropping it down when it was not being used and also in the winter.
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Supplies:
1 – 2 x 12 x 10 Treated Lumber
2 – 12″ Stainless Steel Continous Hinge
Start by measuring the area and cutting 2 x 12 boards to size. We measured the area from end to end of each upright post. Since our bar ledge was right next to the steps, we needed to cut the board at the same angle as the steps.
Next is to build the triangle supports. The top support measures 11 inches and the side support was 13 inches. Use a square for the 45-degree angle and draw a line to make the cuts for the center support. Pre-drill holes and screw triangle together.
Add continuous hinges to the triangles and secure to the inside of upright posts.
Place ledge on top of triangle supports to measure and mark where upper hinges need to be placed. Make sure upper hinges are far enough inside so they clear the triangle supports when tucked under. So we placed our outside top hinges at least 16 inches from the edge.
My advice would be to stain and seal the flip-up deck bar before mounting it to the deck railings. We had a very small window to get this built so I had to wait to do the staining after. It would be much easier to do before mounting.
Here is a close-up of how the ledge transitions next to the deck railing. The old deck is much darker in stain color but the new addition blends very well.
I found the bar stools from Wayfair. They are sold in a quantity of 4. All 4 stools fit under the bar perfectly.
This is a perfect addition to our deck. I love to create different seating area spaces and this allows for additional places for people to sit and gives them the perfect bar ledge for drinks and plates.
We spend most of our summer nights outside enjoying the evenings so creating a perfect outdoor living space is important. My next 2 projects are adding a gas fire pit to replace the wood fire pit and finding the perfect outdoor rug.
Need more ideas for your outdoor living spaces? Check out these other outdoor projects.
Make sure you stop over to my fellow Power Tool Challenge members and see how they were creative with their outdoor spaces.
H2OBungalow – Outdoor String Lights on Poles
Create and Babble – Picnic Caddy
Designed Decor – Extend a patio with Pavers
The Weathered Fox – DIY Hanging Plant Stand
My Repurposed Life – Patio Garden Hose Organizer
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Pat says
Love the bar, where did you find the metal bar stools?
Designed Decor says
Hi Pat, They came from Wayfair. I checked and they are no longer available, but they do have similar ones.
Karen says
Just saw this…love it! Question though…..do you have issues with the corner triangles moving and the bar fall down? Are they latched in there some how?
Designed Decor says
I have never had any issues with the corners moving and the top falling. It is a heavy piece of wood and the corners stay in place. I don’t have any latches, the weight holds them in place.
Marie|The Interior Frugalista says
DeDe, this is such an AWESOME and clever idea! Pinning and sharing 🙂
Designed Decor says
Thanks so much Marie!
Paula says
I love this project! What a great way to make your deck more functional.
gail says
Whoa! DeDe–your fold down deck bar is awesome. It makes me wish I had a deck to make one for. The side braces look fabulous in use, and I love how this adds so much extra purpose to your deck.
pinned!
gail
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Gail! Now if only our weather would cooperate so we can enjoy this added feature.
Wendi @ H2OBungalow says
Wow! What a smart idea to have a flip up bar! Love your idea. It will be useful in so many ways. I’d love a buffet on one. Sharing!
Designed Decor says
Wendi, A buffet is a good idea too!